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And in typically Gallic fashion, the former France international said: “After his first training session in heaven, George Best, from his favourite right wing, turned the head of God who was filling in at left-back.

“I would love for him to save me a place in his team – George Best that is, not God.”

Cantona was speaking ahead of a visit to Belfast later this month and revealed he can’t wait to reunite with fans in the city.

And the 52-year-old promised to hold forth on the club’s current difficulties under Jose Mourinho – with nothing off topic. He said: “There are thousands of Manchester United fans in Ireland so we thought it would be great to go and meet them and it’s a lovely country to visit as well.

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“I like to be on a stage. In December I’m appearing in a play onstage in Paris and that’s always an exciting thing to do. I’m going to appear in a French TV series next year and there are other plans ahead.”

Another former Manchester United No7 is among Cantona’s favourite footballers in the modern era.

But as well as Cristiano Ronaldo, the Frenchman hailed one of the stars of the summer’s World Cup as the one he loves to watch play.

He said: “Obviously Messi and Ronaldo are fantastic players. But last year at the shows I said how great I thought Luka Modric was at Real Madrid. He was fantastic in the World Cup and I feel he is now getting the recognition he deserves for the fantastic passing ability and non-stop effort he puts in.

"I always try and watch as many United games as I can because I love them.

“It’s terrible but the best team to watch at the moment is the other team. The one I don’t like to mention by name!”

An Audience With Eric Cantona is at the Olympia Theatre on October 30 and November 1.